emergency dentist Archives - Page 2 of 3

Need wisdom teeth removed but I don’t have dental insurance

Posted on November 25, 2020 by AllSmiles.

In January, a corner of my bottom right wisdom tooth broke. It eventually fell off, and gradually, little bits of the tooth are falling off. About two months ago, the wisdom tooth started to hurt, and I knew it was trouble. The pain was so bad that I made an emergency appointment with a nearby dentist. She gave me an injection to numb the pain and said that I need an x-ray and probably need a referral to an oral surgeon to remove all my wisdom teeth. I’m nervous about my wisdom teeth now, but I cannot afford oral surgery. Not much is left of the tooth, and it looks like the pulp is dissolving. I don’t have dental insurance. I will start a new job in January, and I hope to make it until then. But the job doesn’t offer dental insurance. Will the broken wisdom tooth eventually fall out? Konnor from Albany, GA

Konnor,

A decayed and broken wisdom tooth will continue to decay and fall out. But you’re at risk of a tooth infection that can spread to your jawbone and create a pus-filled abscess. The dentist you saw for the emergency appointment was right. It’s best for an oral surgeon or a dentist skilled in extractions to remove the tooth.

We are not sure what you mean about the tooth pulp dissolving. But if the pulp was exposed and infected, it’s dead. And if the pulp is dead, the tissue and nerves inside it are dead too, and you should not feel any sensitivity or pain in your tooth.

No Insurance and a Broken Wisdom Tooth?

Man frowning and holding the side of his face; for Baton Rouge emergency dentistry from Dr. Ryan Perry. — Don’t ignore tooth pain or swelling. Schedule an emergency dental appointment.

If you don’t have dental insurance and your wisdom tooth is badly broken, your next step depends on whether you feel any pain or sensitivity. Keep in mind that these suggestions apply to wisdom teeth only. They do not apply to other teeth, including first or second molars.

Pain, sensitivity, or swelling – When you feel pain or sensitivity in a tooth or see swelling, it is a dental emergency that you need to take care of right away. A lingering infection will get worse, spread into your jawbone, affect other teeth, and eventually get into your bloodstream. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can find a dentist or oral surgeon who offers payment plans. Your oral health isn’t worth the delay.
No pain, sensitivity, or swelling – Eventually, your tooth will decay on its own and fall out. But if you can see a dentist for extraction before it falls out, please do so. If you begin to feel pain or have swelling, see a dentist right away. Don’t mask the problem with over-the-counter pain relievers. And please don’t let anxiety keep you from getting the tooth removed. Most dentists offer some form of sedation to help you relax.

Another option

The ideal solution is for you to get the tooth removed. If you live in an area where there is a dental clinic or a dental school, they might be willing to remove your tooth at a reduced rate or no cost at all. You can call a few local family dentists’ offices to ask if they know about a clinic in your area.

Best wishes.

Ryan Perry, DDS, a family dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

My dental crown keeps falling off

Posted on October 9, 2020 by AllSmiles.

My dentist did a root canal on an upper right tooth about 12 years ago. Two years ago, the crown fell off, and my dentist replaced it. Since that time, the crown fell off three times, and my dentist cemented it back on. But my crown still feels a little loose. Not much tooth is left beneath the crown. Is this recementing something that I need to accept? The next time it falls off, I’m tempted to find a completely different dentist who takes urgent appointments to see if they can do any better than my dentist.

Thanks. Rebeka from Virginia

Rebeka,

When a crown keeps falling off, the problem is usually the design of the crown preparation. If that’s true in your case, you might need a new crown.

When a Root Canal Tooth Is Badly Broken

When a root canal tooth doesn’t have much structure left, a dentist can’t prepare the tooth properly. Some dentists use this method to improve crown retention:

Remove some of the root canal filler material
Place a flexible fiberglass post about 2/3 the tooth length into the canal and cement it in place
Bond core material to the post and tooth
Bond the crown to the built-up tooth

It won’t help to see another dentist for an emergency appointment because your situation can’t be corrected that quickly. The resolution takes forethought, time, and skill. The photographs on this page, courtesy of Dentistry Today, are an example of a treatment option that might work for your case.

If a dentist builds up your tooth with a post and composite, the tooth should retain a crown. But you need some remaining tooth structure for this to work. If crown retention only comes from the post, normal function and twisting stress will break the post, and the crown will fall off.

Look for an experienced dentist, schedule a consultation, and ask about treatment options.

Ryan Perry DDS, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Is it okay to wait almost a month to get an infected tooth extracted?

Posted on August 5, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Two weeks ago, I saw a specialist who says that my lower right first molar has a root fracture. I had a root canal on the tooth almost four years ago. The tooth is abscessed, sensitive, and somewhat painful. I have a bad taste in my mouth, and the infection is making me feel foggy and tired. My appointment for an extraction and implant is on the 1^st of next month. I’ve asked for a sooner date because of the discomfort and brain fog. But the specialist can’t see many any sooner. Is it dangerous for me to keep waiting or should I find another specialist? – Thanks. Jonathan from AZ

Jonathan,

Your symptoms, including pain, discomfort, fatigue, and brain fog, are good reasons not to wait. Those factors can put you at risk for other ailments or issues, so do what you can to receive the extraction sooner than a month.

Is It Dangerous to Wait for Your Tooth Extraction?

You asked if it’s dangerous to wait for the extraction. While you’re waiting for tooth extraction, the infection can grow and spread deeper. Although Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth, the infection probably won’t cause serious complications. But complications can occur, and other than the specialist’s schedule, there is no reason to wait. You can get rid of the annoying symptoms sooner than next month.

Since you didn’t mention what type of specialist you’ve seen, we assume that it’s an oral surgeon. Extracting a lower right first molar isn’t usually complicated, so you don’t need an oral surgeon to remove it. You can ask the dentist who gave you the referral to refer you to another specialist. Or you can call an oral surgeon or a general dentist who will see you faster and perform the extraction. Unless there is an unusual problem with your tooth other than the fractured root, a general dentist who frequently extracts teeth can remove it.

And if you look for a general dentist with advanced training in implantology, you can stay with the practice to receive implant placement and a dental crown. It will save you the time and frustration of visiting multiple providers to resolve the issue completely.

Best wishes.

Ryan Perry DDS, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Teeth Notches, Clenching, and Fillings that Pop Out

Posted on April 7, 2020 by AllSmiles.

I have a history of worn teeth and notches on the side near my gums. When I lived in LA, my dentist did fillings and bonding on them, and it held up beautifully for almost 17 years. For the past two years, I’ve been to three different dentists who replaced the bonding and fillings, but the bonding keeps falling out. A few times, the tooth exposure caused so much sensitivity that I made emergency appointments, but that’s not practical. About five weeks ago, my current dentist replaced two of the white fillings, and one filling is loose. I’ve decided not to keep putting up with sloppy work. If I start asking for refunds, maybe the dentist will be more careful. Are five weeks too long to wait to ask for a refund? Should I ask for more bonding or just get crowns? Thank you. Wade

Wade,

Repeat dental visits and lost fillings are frustrating and time-consuming. Flexing and clenching your teeth causes the notches—abfraction lesions—on the side of teeth near the gumline.

Flexible Composite for Long-Lasting Fillings in Teeth Under Stress

Cosmetic dentists who have received advanced training in restorative materials understand that the composite used in your teeth must be flexible. Although a general or family dentist would think that the material needs to be hard and stiff to withstand the forces of clenching or grinding your teeth, hard materials dislodge, as you’ve experienced.

A comparison of composites

Microfills – Flexible composite, like microfill, will prevent lost-filling episodes. Some brands that yield success are Siluz Plus or Renamel. The materials will flex with your teeth and last several years if bonded correctly.

Hybrid or microhybrid – Newer hybrid or microhybrid composites don’t flex well, which may explain why you’re the fillings placed by your dentist in LA lasted so long.

You can share this information with your dentist, and it might be enough. If he’s unwilling to try it and preserve your teeth, you can ask for a calmly ask for a refund. As you mentioned, it’s not practical to continually schedule urgent visits for fillings that pop out.

Even if your dentist isn’t willing to refund you for the fillings you received five weeks ago, look for an advanced cosmetic dentist to do the work. Don’t seek a family dentist for convenience or lower fees. You want results that will last, and a cosmetic dentist knows how to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

Is Chest Pain Related to a Toothache?

Posted on December 8, 2019 by ectree.

Hello there,

My grandmother is getting up there in age, but she dislikes going to the hospital and distrusts doctors. She’s in good health, but has started complaining of both a toothache and chest pain. She says that the chest pain is not new, but the toothache is.

Is chest pain along with a toothache an issue when you get older? Is it an emergency? Does she need to go to the doctor, or the dentist?

Travis, from Rochester, MA

Hi Travis,

A toothache and chest pain can mean a heart attack. You need to have her checked right away!

In a heart attack, the patient can have pain in the left arm or in the left jaw. Jaw pain is felt in about 10% of the cases. And remember that, due to how nerves travel through the body, everyone’s symptoms can be different. Instead of facial pain, you may experience a toothache, as pain can radiate through the lower left part of jaw, or across the lower arch. Despite your grandmother’s resistance, this is urgent and important.

Dental issues are not limited to the mouth. Good oral health and good cardiovascular health are linked. On the flip side, those with extensive gum disease are at risk for diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Once your grandmother is better, you should take her to see a family dentist regularly. Regular assessments will cut down on the emergency dental trips, as well.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Emergency – My Porcelain Crown Cracked!

Posted on November 8, 2019 by ectree.

Hi there,

I have had porcelain crowns for ages, and one of them has always had a horizontal line towards the bottom. It’s a tiny flaw, and not easily noticeable. However, after biting something hard, I can see the line much more clearly. I can also feel the line with my tongue, too. I am scared I will lose the tooth altogether. Does this fracture warrant a trip to the emergency dentist? Or can should I wait until I can see my cosmetic dentist again?

Willem, from Ballard, Utah

Hi Willem,

While you should see a cosmetic dentist as soon as possible to replace the crown, you do not have to see an emergency dentist. This may be a cosmetic emergency, but emergency dentists are better for accidents, severe pain, or infections.

What you describe as a flaw in your crown is actually a common occurrence. The horizontal line is called a craze line, and naturally occurs in both teeth and porcelain. Your crown was fine with this line, but now that you can feel it, that means some sort of shift has occurred. You will have to get the crown replaced before any other shifts happen.

Since you have had these crowns for ‘ages’, as you said, your cosmetic dentist may recommend that you replace all of them along with the cracked one. This is a good way to ensure that the replacement for the cracked crown matches the rest of your dental work. However, if there is nothing structurally wrong with your other crowns, it is not necessary to replace them. A master ceramist at a quality dental lab can match the color of your new crown to your current ones; an inexperienced cosmetic dentist will insist on replacing all the crowns, as they lack the necessary skill in painting and color matching porcelain.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

What Can I Do About a Tooth Infection?

Posted on October 15, 2019 by ectree.

Hello there,

I am in a bit of a predicament. My job does not provide and medical or dental insurance. However, I’ve been battling with what I think is a tooth infection. My face is swollen and puffy, and it aches all the time. My job doesn’t pay a lot, so I don’t have the money to treat this. What can I do?

Christopher, from Kansas City, Kansas

Hello Christopher,

It does sound like you have a tooth infection. Your infection may start to drain, which would release some of the swelling you feel, but it probably will not do that without any intervention.

Many communities have low-cost or mobile dental clinics, or allow you to pay on a sliding scale. You can start calling offices to see who is willing to work with you. Universities often have low-cost clinics. However, if your pain becomes worse, you should go to see an emergency dentist. Oral infections, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of your body. If it spreads to your brain, it can become very serious.

While you are looking for a clinic, do not try to treat the infection with antibiotics on your own. Antibiotics cannot treat infections present inside of teeth, only the swelling. You will likely need a root canal or an extraction to fully rid your mouth of the infection. If you take an antibiotic without any sort of treatment plan, the infection may come back, and when it does, it will be resistant to antibiotics. This will make curing the infection even more difficult.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan P. Perry.

Did an Emergency Dentist Give Me an Unnecessary Root Canal?

Posted on May 30, 2019 by alliotte.

Several months ago, I was experiencing horrible tooth pain. I normally have a fairly high tolerance for pain, so I took some ibuprofen and went on. When the pain became too much to bear, I went to an emergency dentist, knowing that I would likely be in need of a root canal. I was right.

Recently, my sister experienced a tooth pain similar to mine. She too has a high tolerance for pain, and took ibuprofen until it was more than she could handle. At my suggestion, she consulted an emergency dentist, but was told he was in need of a crown.

How could it be that we were both experiencing the same type of pain, yet we received differing prognoses?

Thank you,
Jake

Dear Jake,

Just like all people look different, and are wired differently, all tooth pain is different and can be caused by various issues. An infection can cause pain, as well as a cracked tooth, or a cavity, in addition to a multitude of other reasons. A root canal is generally the result of a decay that reaches the nerve of the tooth, causing it to send out signs of distress of pain or discomfort. This could also be an indication of infection, or a dead tooth.

Therefore, even though two people can experience toothaches, the cause of the pain could be vastly different, yielding different diagnoses and treatment.

Another point to consider is that, even though you say you and your sister have high tolerances for pain, our pain levels are different, as are the signals of pain or discomfort that each person feels.

An emergency dentist can explain your diagnosis, as well as your sister’s. This may help you both to better understand what was going on in your mouth to cause the pain, as well as the reason for it. If the dentists you each saw failed to do this, give the office a call and inquire. This is the only way to truly know and understand.

This article was provided by the office of emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Did mouth injury cause teeth to turn gray?

Posted on March 14, 2019 by alliotte.

I was with my friends at a local venue when, out of the blue, a fight began. I was not involved, but happen to be standing close. Close enough, actually, that I ended up getting shoved by a group of men. When I hit back, a bouncer came out of nowhere and hit me in the face. I left unharmed for the most part, but my mouth was bleeding badly. At the time, I thought it would stop and heal on its own, not really given much thought to it. However, now my bottom teeth are turning gray. This isn’t something I’ve seen a doctor for, but am wondering if I should be seen by an emergency dentist. Or, do you think it will heal on its own? I’m also curious if I am seen by a dental professional, if the venue would be responsible for paying for my medical bills, since it was their employee who hit me.

Thank you for any help you can provide,

Brian

Dear Brian,

When teeth are injured or experience trauma, and it sounds like yours definitely did, it can kill the pulp of the tooth and cause the teeth to die. A dying tooth can look gray, as you are describing, similar to a bruise on skin. Regrettably, when the teeth start to change color, there is nothing that can be done to reverse the damage. They are turning gray because there is no blood flowing into them, causing the inside to become lifeless, turning into an attractive location for bacteria to develop. If this happens, the tooth needs to be treated with a root canal as soon as possible, or it will eventually fall to infection.

You asked if you should consult an emergency dentist. There are several reasons for a person to see an emergency dentist. The list below may help you answer this question.

Reasons to see an emergency dentist

Toothache
Signs of Infection
Severely Broken Tooth
Oral or Facial Pain

It doesn’t sound like you’re currently in pain. However, if you were, you would want to see your dentist as soon as possible. But, since it seems that you’re dealing with discoloration and not pain, it doesn’t necessarily render seeing an emergency dentist at this time. That said, it is still very important for you to schedule an appointment with your regular dentist as soon as you can. If you don’t have this treated, it will escalate into a major infection.

Who Pays for Treatment

It is hard to determine if the venue will take on the financial responsibilities of your dental treatment. If the incident was reported, they may be willing to handle the damages. However, if there is no documentation of the problem, you may need to get legal advice and try to handle this in court. Regardless, please do not stall your treatment because you are waiting to find out if someone else will cover the costs. You may end up incurring additional costs and trouble because you delayed the treatment. In addition, most courts expect you to seek care right away if you have a legitimate injury. But, you’ll want to speak to a lawyer for advice regarding the legal matters.

This blog post is sponsored by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Does my son’s broken tooth need an emergency dentist?

Posted on January 31, 2019 by alliotte.

My son slid into third base and was hit by the ball last night. The force of the ball broke one of his upper front teeth and cracked the other. We took him to the dentist today, but he indicated he could not make an appointment to fix the problems for several months. I want it fixed now and am wondering if we should see an emergency dentist. Is this necessary, or would it be best to wait for the tooth to lose its sensitivity?

Thank you,
Rachel

Rachel,

Your son should be seen by an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Waiting will do you/him no good. If you have have piece that broke off, that will be even better. If you can find an emergency dentist who is also an expert cosmetic dentist, that would be the best case scenario. You don’t want too much time to pass, but you also need to be sure you find someone who has the experience to remedy this issue. You see, you want the broken tooth to look good and natural, and match the other front tooth. However, if you no longer have the broken piece of the tooth, direct dental bonding would be the next best method, depending on where the damage is on the other tooth.

This post is brought to you by Baton Rouge emergency dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.